Legal separation shares characteristics with a divorce (also known as
"dissolution" of marriage). Both proceedings provide for the division of
marital assets and debts; child custody; child support; and spousal support.
However, a decree of legal separation does not dissolve the marital status
and does not permit the parties to remarry.

In California, a spouse can file for legal separation without having lived in
California for six months or in the county of Los Angeles for three months
before filing, as is required for a dissolution of marriage. One can file a petition
for legal separation and later amend it to one for dissolution once the
residency requirements have been met.